A Gastonia woman has been charged with murder, accused of setting a fire that killed her mother and her mother’s boyfriend.

Christa Andrene Smith caused the February fire that killed Ernest Adams and Angela Wilson, according to arrest warrants.

Warrants were issued for Smith Tuesday. She faces two counts of first-degree murder.

Smith has been informed about the warrants, but police have not been able to contact her since or take her into custody, according to Sgt. Jimmy Arndt with Gastonia police.

The fire started before dawn at 1530 Seigle Ave. where Smith, Adams and Wilson lived.

Investigators determined early on that the fire started in Smith’s bedroom. The fire was hands-on rather than electrical, according to Gastonia Assistant Fire Marshal Billy Glover.

Smith initially told detectives that she woke up to find the home engulfed in flames. Smith said that she and Adams tried to get Wilson out of the home. Wilson was confined to a wheelchair, according to fire officials.

Smith eventually ran to a neighbor’s house to get help and call 911.

Adams was found dead in the hall, and Wilson was in bed.

Wilson, 57, and Adams, 78, had been together more than 30 years.

Smith, 38, lived in the home and cared for her mother, Arndt said.

“It’s a difficult case. It’s a sad situation,” said Arndt.

Arson cases can make for a difficult investigation, but the evidence is there, Arndt said.

Investigators conferred with the District Attorney’s Office before issuing warrants.

Arndt asked that if anyone knows where Smith is, they call the Gastonia Police Department, 704-866-6702.